82
Metascore
18 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100Christian Science MonitorDavid SterrittChristian Science MonitorDavid SterrittSuspenseful, surprising, and psychologically rich.
- 90The A.V. ClubScott TobiasThe A.V. ClubScott TobiasIt takes enormous skill to pull off such a high-wire act without diminishing the gravity of the situation, but Bong and his first-rate cast are up to the task.
- 90Village VoiceMichael AtkinsonVillage VoiceMichael AtkinsonIt's an altogether remarkable piece of work, deepening the genre while whipping its skin off, satirizing an entire nation's nearsighted apathy as it wonders, almost aloud, about the nature of truth, evidence, and social belonging.
- 80Film ThreatFilm ThreatA haunting score and beautifully atmospheric cinematography by Kim Hyung-gu round out the achievements of this unique and engaging Korean thriller.
- 80VarietyDerek ElleyVarietyDerek ElleyA powerful, slow-burning portrait of human fallibility.
- 80The New York TimesManohla DargisThe New York TimesManohla DargisWhat distinguishes Memories of Murder, setting it apart from rank-and-file thrillers, is its singular mix of gallows humor and unnerving solemnity.
- 80The Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckThe Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckUses dark humor, incisive characterizations and social commentary to infuse its familiar detective tale with a distinctive flair.
- 80Washington PostDesson ThomsonWashington PostDesson ThomsonAs exciting for its narrative twists and turns as for its Korean textures and rhythms.
- 67Austin ChronicleMarc SavlovAustin ChronicleMarc SavlovBecomes something of a rainswept Korean koan on both the nobility and futility of persistence in the face of obviously insurmountable odds.
- 50Seattle Post-IntelligencerSean AxmakerSeattle Post-IntelligencerSean AxmakerThe script is as sloppy as Song's unkempt cop, sprinkled with intriguing ideas and imaginative details that, like the investigation, simply get lost in blind alleys.